Abstract

This work assimilates an extensive sample of satellite observations, model output, and reanalysis data over the global tropics to study how aerosols and thermodynamics influence tropical lightning variability. Preliminary results show subtle variations in the relationships between lightning,
aerosols, and thermodynamics between regions – an aim of the current research is to understand how thermodynamics and aerosols influence the frequency and occurrence of tropical lightning. This work will provide clues for future lightning variability across the global tropics in response to the Earth’s changing climate.